Location: Cercado de Lima
Top Things to do in Cercado de Lima
Things to do in Lima, Lima Region: The Best Points of Interest & Landmarks
Lima, founded by Francisco Pizarro in 1535, is a fascinating city and a treasure trove of history. Explore ancient Incan archeological sites, or stroll through the elegant cathedrals and opulent palaces dating from Spanish colonial times. Downtown Lima is crowded, but you'll enjoy exploring the city's neighborhoods—especially the beachfront areas, which have great shopping and dining and fabulous hotels.
Restaurants in Lima
1. Plaza de Armas (Plaza Mayor)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,120 reviews
Once considered the heart of old Lima, this grand plaza features many important architectural monuments and buildings including a magnificent bronze fountain dating from 1650, the Archbishop's Palace with its elegant balconies and the Government Palace dating from 1924.
Reviewed By LuizDutraNeto - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Remember, everything started here ... On January 18, 1535, Spanish "Conquistador" Francisco Pizarro founded the City of Lima and, right at this very site, designated where the "Plaza de Armas" (or "Plaza Mayor") would be built! Just amazing! The other buildings came some time after, being built and rebuilt along the centuries up to their todays' features - the "Catedral de Lima", the "Parroquia del Sagrario and the central water fountain (all from the 17th century); the "Palacio Arzobispal", the "Palacio de Gobierno", the "Palacio Municipal de Lima" and the "Palacio de la Unión" (all dating the 20th century) constitute the city's focal point. You are just about to visit the very heart of Lima, its beautiful historic center, locally known as "Cercado de Lima". Take your time and stroll along, enjoy the views, the lovely manicured gardens and lawns, the "Changing of the Guard" at noon in front of the "Palacio de Gobierno" and visit the interior of all buildings that allow so! And as a curiosity, Peru's independence from Spain was proclaimed right here in 1821! Don't forget your camera! Enjoy!
2. Circuito Magico Del Agua
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17,689 reviews
Reviewed By Go09917
This is just awesome and a great social event --- moms, dads, children, grandmas --- young lovers and newlyweds -- it's a beautiful water and light show and it's also a grand parade of happy people enjoying a nice night out.
3. Plaza San Martin
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 785 reviews
Reviewed By hsmomtravels - Vancouver, Canada
General Jose San Martin stands tall and proud upon his horse at the center of this beautiful square. He declared Peru's independence in 1821. Colonial-style buildings surround this square, including Gran Hotel Bolivar - named after Simon Bolivar, another liberator of South America.
